News

When Laura Y. joined Walk-In as a volunteer counselor in 2016, all clients seeking free, no-appointment counseling were finding it by walking through the door at 2421 Chicago Avenue. In March 2020, when the pandemic pushed Walk-In services to computer and phone only, the “walking in” experience changed.  And yet, there’s one thing that stands out… continue reading

For volunteer counselor Luci R., providing free counseling at Walk-In has never been more important than it is now. Luci is one of a handful of Spanish-speaking counselors, working with clients who would otherwise face long waiting lists for Spanish services, or who can’t find counseling at all. “Walk-In is one of the only organizations… continue reading

When Walk-In volunteer counselor Sucdi D. helps clients deal with trauma, anxiety or depression, she has a deep well of experience to draw from.  “I grew up in Kenya, in a refugee camp,” Sucdi recalls. “It was rough. While I don’t disclose my own experience, I can use it to relate to what the client… continue reading

Gary Schoener, MEq, has been elected for a one-year term as ethics co-chair of the Minnesota Counseling Association. Gary directs Walk-In’s Consultation & Training Institute, and maintains a private practice in forensic psychology. He has authored numerous articles and monographs regarding the conduct and ethics of professional mental health providers as well as mental health issues…. continue reading

For Walk-In volunteer counselor Noah G., a sense of identity and belonging are central to his approach to serving the community. “My family has a story of adoption,” Noah explains. Adopted as a child, Noah is of Alaskan native (Tlingit) heritage as well as Black. He spent his childhood in Saint Paul with his parents… continue reading

If you are a mental health professional, mark your calendar for a training on how to integrate mindfulness into your work. The training will be on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021 from 3-5 pm on Zoom. If you haven’t been a Walk-In volunteer, register for $20 by clicking here.Current and former Walk-In volunteers may register for… continue reading

Volunteers who are considering retirement and giving up their practice licenses, can continue to volunteer if they are willing to get a different type of Minnesota license. In psychology, there is now a Licensed Psychologist Volunteer (LP-V) license permitting (only) volunteer work. It costs one half of the regular license fee, so currently it is $250… continue reading

What a year! In our 52nd year of operation, Walk-In moved our free counseling services entirely to phone and on-line at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. Our community experienced much mental health and economic pain during the year.You saw us through. Thank you. Click here to read the 2020 annual report.

When Kay Bochert discovered Walk-In Counseling Center, it was the early 80s, and she was a freshly minted social worker with a master’s degree. She was invited to join a private practice, but she declined. “I wanted to be in the community.” She found Walk-In Counseling Center and applied to volunteer there, providing free counseling services… continue reading

This is what I (Mary) wrote on April 19 for our e-newsletter:With the world watching Minneapolis during the Chauvin trial, and the tragedy and unrest of the past week, our community is dealing with tremendous disruption, grief and fear.Some are finding a listening ear — and hope — by contacting Walk-In by phone or video… continue reading